Wednesday, May 14, 2008

A disaster for NARAL

Imagine my shock, as I journey back to D.C. from West Virginia and stopped to rest, when I saw the following message from a staunch volunteer for Senator Clinton: FYI. [...]Naral is endorsing Obama within the hour - please call Nancy Keenan at 202-973-3000 ASAP! To express your extreme disappointment and hope they will not make this move.I phoned and made sure I spoke directly to Nancy Keenan's personal assistant. (If you call, make sure that is who you reach. Do not accept being routed to a recording that accepts "political messages." This is not a political message, it is a message about civil rights and public health.)

I then reported back to the person who sent me the original alert: here is her reply

I just spoke at length with Nancy Keenan's personal assistant. I told her that I along with millions of other women would never donate to NARAL again, that I regarded NARAL's endorsement of Senator Obama at this time as an astonishing abandonment not only of NARAL's stated mission but as a betrayal of all women. I noted that whatever the reasons for this decision, it was a tragic one for NARAL, a move I predict will doom NARAL's future as an organization. Ms. Keenan's assistant asked for my number once I mentioned that I would be sharing my views publically via all means at my disposal. I urge other who are of like mind to phone to make it clear that while NARAL may think this endorsement is a one shot episode, it is not and NARAL will suffer tragic consequences.

In strength,

Heidi Li FeldmanSent from my iPhone

Here is her reply:

Thank you, Heidi. I have heard from others who have called that they also noted that they are withdrawing their financial support and that NARAL will never again see another penny from them. It is truly shocking that NARAL would make this endorsement at this time. If NARAL was going to endorse anyone, it should have been the one who's actually worked for women's rights all her life, not the one who again and again voted "present" during "controversial" votes about reproductive rights.Thanks to all for your calls!

I am shocked to hear of that endorsement. My wife and I will never again give another penny to this organization. Hillary Clinton is an inspiration in all of our lives for all she has done for women, men and most of all children...as well as all she has done for the good of the United States of America and humanity around the world. Hillary is a prime example of the goals and aspirations our children should follow, and I think she is a perfect motherly figure for all of us. God Bless Hillary and her family and we help them continue this all important fight. Shame on NARAL.